USF rumored to be interested in Manhattan basketball coach

The University of South Florida reportedly has serious interest in Steve Masiello, the head coach of Manhattan College, the Tampa Bay Times reported. Masiello is receiving national attention following a 25-8 season and an NCAA tournament berth where his team went toe to toe with defending national champions Louisville.

Speaking of Louisville, Masiello, 36, was the longtime assistant and protégé of head coach Rick Pitino. In an interview with the Times in Orlando, Pitino said he spoke highly of the USF program to his former assistant.

Chris Sullivan, the co-founder of Outback Steakhouse and a supporter of USF athletics, is reportedly among those advocating Masiello’s candidacy. Former USF head coach Stan Heath was fired on March 14.